LIRQ Florence
 

Any recommendations on hotels and handling in LIRQ?

Thanks
MB

I would recommend checking the handling note carefully for services not provided (seems to be a favourite trick) - and then bring LOTS & LOTS of money.

Mizuno
 

Check PMs:ok:

Mizuno,
Be aware that, as is the case with all Itialian airports, the sheer bullsh*t will be unbelievable and the handling not up to usual standards (Delta at Pisa are excused this comment).
Why is it that such a wonderful country as Italy has such a hopelessly inefficient aviation sector? It amazes me every time I go there.......:ugh:

I'm agree with you and....I'm italian :(

delta
 

hey stressfree..

.... I do agree - Delta @ Pisa are really great Handlers!!
Saved our evening not long ago.

Fly Safe
Welle

Thanks to all, very familiar with Italian Ops, but this is a new destiantion for us.
Keep the info coming,
All help appreciated!

Cheers
MB

The "wonderful" country, that is everything you love about Italy IS the reason for the inefficient aviation system!! I love the time we were told we couldn't get catering in Venice, so we laid over in Trieste, bought food in the city and positioned to Venice in the morning. Sure enough, the handler said "no catering today". As if, Venice was starving.

GF

florence
 

hi M.B.

just take care about the forecast wind direction, rwy23 requires special approval or trg for landing (if i do remember correctly)

rgds
welle



edit 4 typo

We had a trip planned there recently but never materialised.

I called up the tower there. they told me Runway 23 was for s/e only. 05 was the normal runway. As said, keep an eye on the forecast winds.

We used 23 years ago, but the new displaced threshold is almost half way down the runway.

What strikes me is the fact that in Trieste you managed to sort you catering out by popping into town but you gave up in VCE b'cos the GA handler said you "no way". Well....don't ya plan your city-center walkabout as well as you do with your airborne bit? :E

If you had done it you would have discovered some 1000 of restaurants and/or "gastronomia" (take-away) foodshops willing to sell you fresh-prepared, mouthwatering meals for few bucks. Otherwise there are at least 2 major shopping malls 10 mins drive from the airport. Same concept applies to Florence.

Next time gimme a ring, OK? :hmm:

As per you "wonderful", I take it has the same sarcastic meaning it would be used calling US the lando of "free"

PZ :E

Mizuno, I havent been there for quite a while, so maybe it BS or outdated info, but make sure to show the pax where to meet, cause you´d leave through arrivals and go in through another building. There are telephones to ring Delta, but they where quite hidden the last time I was there - so let Delta show them to you. Taxis can be a prob too, so if your pax need them make sure to tell Delta time and again.

Florence is a beautyful city, but really crowded with tourists, so be aware of pickpocketing. Otherwise a great destination!


What I love about Italy is quite a short list...basically we should blame the females then?

Hey Luigies, I´m just kidding! :ok: :}

I agree with Hollingworth - be sure to take lots and lots of money. The fees for the handling are quite excessive, as are the crew meals. One story circulating my company is when the crew were told it was €80 each for a crew meal, they phoned out for a pizza. It arrived at the terminal, but the only way to get there was to be driven by the handler - who then charged €20 for the trip there and back!
Don't expect to be given a cup of coffee either - I was told there was a machine in the hangar and they couldn't change any notes into coins for it!

TT

Hello!

Not any more (and I have been there very recently). There is a staff/GA entrance and exit to the left of the terminal building where you still have to call Delta Aerotaxi by telephone. They will be there to pick you up by the time it takes you and/or your passengers to get through security. Airside, they have a crew lounge and selfbriefing facilities and will provide coffee, hot water and ice if required. I do not know about catering, but I am pretty sure they can arrange that.

Taxis have been no problem, there were dozens of them waiting in front of the terminal. The fare to the town centre is now fixed at 25 Euros, no need to negotiate any longer.

Florence is PPR for parking due to very limited space - be sure to get your permission well in advance, especially for overnight parking. During times of high traffic like trade fairs you will normally get no parking permission and will have to position your aeroplane to Siena or Pisa after disembarking the passengers.

Regarding hotels I always find it very difficult to give advice, because every person has his/her own preferences. Last time we were put up in the "Home Hotel" (google should know about it) and I found it quite pleasant. Close to the river Arno and within ten minutes walking distance to the town centre. Nice breakfast buffet (not just a cup of Espresso and a brioche like in many other hotels in Italy), free wifi, free minibar (not much inside, though) and working aircondition (essential at 39 deg. C of last weekend). Negotiate a crew rate through your company in advance, otherwise you will pay an awful lot more.

I have been to Florence many times and when I can choose myself, I will always opt for hiring a car and driving half an hour up the mountains and go to some small country hotel there. Much cooler climate, not the crowds of holidaymakers pushing you through the baking hot, dusty and stinking streets (there are cars and mopeds everywhere all the time). And better food and wine at half the price.

Enjoy your stay!

Check parking availability, it may be limited if you plan to stay for a few days. Good to hear they have sensible way in now for pax - twas a nightmare before.

Yes we all know it. Florence = Mafia! No change in the last 7 years i've been there.

Oooh, Gregwood, someone's gonna wake up next to a Nag's Head!

It's Italy. Everything looks great (including the women) but nothing will turn out to be fit for purpose...

..and just wait 'till it rains. even your washing machine will break down...:E

We were there yesterday.

The fuelling service was excellent - really friendly bloke.

If your perf allows 05 for takeoff, accept it even if the SID does not look appealing and the wind is not favourable as it will avoid lots of wasted time backtracking and holding compared to 23.

Went in there today for the first time in a year - Delta were very efficient and professional, almost like being in Germany.

Another good opportunity to keep mouth shut...LOST! :E

PZ :hmm: